living the happy life

argentina wines

In July, I bought a LivingSocial deal to a class at Back Label Wine Merchants. I’ve been trying to learn more about wine, so this was such a great deal. Because LS has the “refer 3, gets yours free” system, I shared on Facebook and got one person to buy it (what an influencer I am, ha).

My friend went to the California Wine & Cheese class in September. Since the voucher expires Oct 16, I was checking the events calendar obsessively for a cheese class. No luck.

We went to the Argentina Wines class to discover the various wines made there. I learned that a ton of Malbec comes from here to the US and that Argentina Wines are light wines and not as bold as the California Napa reds we are used to.

(So mad the WordPress app now. I typed everything up and there was an update error!!)

Made in Mendoza with Bordeaux grapes. I found this white wine to be fruity and very acidic.

Notes: white flowers, honey, herbs, tropical fruits

Oaked

2. Familia Mayol / 2014 Garnacha Blanca

This was actually our first tasting since it is not as acidic as #1. I still found it acidic, even though it’s claimed to be a lighter wine. As I kept drinking this, it started to taste like Riseling, my favorite varietal.

Notes: green apple, melon, nectarines

3. Zorzal / 2012 “Terror Unico” Pinot Noir

This red was surprisingly light yet not bland, and not super bold. The grapes like light, but not heat, which helps give this type of volume. This was very oak-y on my nose and had a long finish.

Notes: blackberry, strawberry, earth, minerals.

4. Colonia Las Liebres / 2013 Bonarda

There is also a region in Italy called Bonarda, but the wine tastes different (I must go try). This red was my least favorite of the night. It was smokey on my nose.

The only wine from Rio Negro, Patagonia. This was surprisingly my favorite of the night, since I usually do not like reds. It was packed with flavor but not overwhelming. The tannins were just right (I am not a fan of this), making this a great glass on its own as well.

Notes: black fruit, red fruit, smoke, earth, game, herbs

from right to left !

I didn’t finish my glasses since I drank so much earlier 😂. I also had manchego cheese (aka cheese expert of the night, jk), which went very well with the Merlot. Argentina wines are not as costly since they over export to the US. So, go get yourself a “cheap” bottle packed with good vibes 🙂